Gov. Scott Honors 139 Veterans with Governor’s Veterans Service Award

Governor Rick Scott today, joined by United States Air Force Major General Emmett R. Titshaw and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director Al Carter, awarded 139 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida and the nation.

Governor Scott said, “It is an honor to recognize the service of these brave veterans who now call Port Charlotte home. The courage and sacrifice they displayed while serving our country has contributed to the freedoms and opportunities we benefit from everyday in America, and this medal serves as a testament of thanks from Floridians everywhere.”

Major General Emmett R. Titshaw, Jr. said, “I am honored, on behalf of the 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen of the Florida National Guard, to join Governor Scott to recognize the heroes of our state. Many of these men and women and their families made tremendous sacrifices for our nation, some of their stories are remarkable, like Gil Broughton, a 27-month Korean War POW. He is among many of the great service members whom we are proud to recognize.”

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director & retired Army Colonel Al Carter said, “Honoring our residents and former military staff at the Jacobson Veterans’ Home is very appropriate as the skilled-nursing facility is commemorating its 10th anniversary. The men and women honored today were not seeking fortune or glory, but simply joining something larger than themselves. We honor and remember their selfless service to our nation.”

The ceremony was held at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, which received a Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in January 2014. During the ceremony, Governor Scott highlighted the service of Florida veteran, Gilbert Broughton.

Gilbert Broughton

Gilbert Broughton was born in Wyandote, MI on January 1, 1929. He graduated from Wyandotte High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 where he trained in Hawaii.

Gil was later stationed in Japan where he served for one and a half years. During that time, he demonstrated expert use of the bayonet making him one of 12 selected to teach the drill team.

Mr. Broughton was discharged in 1947 and remained in the active Army Reserve. In 1950, Mr. Broughton was stationed in Korea where he served over seven months in the Korean War and taken prisoner by the North Koreans. He spent 27 months in captivity as a prisoner of war. After the war, Mr. Broughton returned to Michigan to attend college and begin a career as an assistant school principal.

Florida Veterans Medal

The “Governor’s Veterans Service Award” honors Floridians who have served in the U.S. Military. The front of the medal depicts the Great Seal of the State of Florida. The back of the medal displays the five seals representing the five branches of U.S. Military with an inscription that reads “Honoring Those Who Served.”